cần

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The Vietnamese word "cần" has several meanings and uses, which can be categorized into nouns and verbs. Let's break it down for new learners.

Noun Meanings:

1. Water Dropwort: In botany, "cần" refers to a type of plant, specifically water dropwort, which is used in cooking, especially in Vietnamese cuisine.

2. Rod or Stem: "Cần" can also mean a rod or shaft. For example:

   • Cần câu: This means "fishing rod." It’s the long stick used for fishing.
   • Điếu có cần dài: This refers to a "bubble-bubble" (a type of pipe) with a long stem.
   • Vibrator in a monocord instrument: In musical terms, it describes the vibrating part of certain stringed instruments.

3. Rượu cần: This refers to a traditional drink from some ethnic minorities in Vietnam, which is spirit stored in a jar and drunk through a stem.

Verb Meanings:

As a verb, "cần" means: - To need: It expresses necessity or requirement. For example, "Tôi cần nước" means "I need water." - Must: It can indicate something that is required. For example, "Bạn cần phải học" translates to "You must study." - To want: It can also express a desire for something. For instance, "Tôi cần một chiếc xe" means "I want a car."

Example Sentences:

• Noun Usage:

  • "Tôi mua một cần câu mới." (I bought a new fishing rod.)
  • "Cần dài của điếu này rất đẹp." (The long stem of this pipe is very beautiful.)

• Verb Usage:

  • "Tôi cần thời gian để suy nghĩ." (I need time to think.)
  • "Bạn cần phải ăn uống lành mạnh." (You must eat healthily.)

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced contexts, "cần" can be used in idiomatic expressions or formal language to express urgency or importance. For instance: - "Cần phải hành động ngay" means "It is necessary to act immediately." - "Cần thiết" means "necessary" or "essential."

Word Variants:

• Cần thiết: Necessary, essential.
• Cần cù: Diligent, hardworking.

Synonyms:

• For the verb "cần" (to need):
  • Thiếu: To lack.
  • Nhu cầu: Demand or need.

Different Meanings:

• Depending on context, "cần" can refer to physical objects (like a rod) or abstract concepts (like necessity). It's important to look at the surrounding words to determine its meaning.

Academic

noun

1. Water dropwort
2. Shaft, rod
   • cần câu
     a fishing-rod
3. Stem, tube
   • rượu cần
     spirit in jar drunk through a stem (by some ethnic minorities)
   • điếu có cần dài
     a bubble-bubble with a long stem
4. Neck (of a violin..)
5. Vibrator (in a monocord instrument)

verb

1. Need, must, to want